English translations of 10 Gesänge für hohe Stimme, opus 1

by Moritz Weyermann (1832 - 1888)

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1. Die Nachtigallen  [sung text not yet checked]
by Moritz Weyermann (1832 - 1888), "Die Nachtigallen", op. 1 (10 Gesänge für hohe Stimme) no. 1, published 1866 [ high voice and piano ], Elberfeld, Arnold
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Möcht wissen, was sie schlagen
So schön bei der Nacht,
's ist in der Welt ja doch niemand,
Der mit ihnen wacht.

Und die Wolken, die reisen,
Und das Land ist so blaß,
Und die Nacht [wandert]1 leise
Durch den Wald übers Gras.

Nacht, Wolken, wohin sie gehen,
Ich weiß es recht gut,
Liegt ein Grund hinter den Höhen,
Wo meine Liebste jetzt ruht.

Zieht der Einsiedel sein Glöcklein,
Sie höret es nicht,
Es fallen ihre Löcklein
Übers ganze Gesicht.

Und daß sie niemand [erschrecket]2,
Der liebe Gott hat sie hier
Ganz mit Mondschein bedecket,
Da träumt sie von mir.

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1 some versions of Eichendorff (and Franz and Pfitzner): "wandelt"
2 Herzogenberg: "wecket"

by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857)
1. I would like to know what they sing
Language: English 
I would like to know what they sing
so beautifully at night,
though it is no one in the world
who watches with them.

And the clouds, they travel,
and the land is so pale,
and the night wanders silent
through the forest over grass.

Night, clouds, where they go to,
I know it quite well,
there lies a ground behind the Heights,
where my love now rests. 

The hermit rings his bell,
she cannot hear it,
her locks fall
whole over her face.

And lest anyone startle her,
God has covered her 
full with moonlight;
there she dreams of me.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Jakob Kellner, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 20
Word count: 101

Translation © by Jakob Kellner
2. Der Fichtenbaum  [sung text not yet checked]
by Moritz Weyermann (1832 - 1888), "Der Fichtenbaum", op. 1 (10 Gesänge für hohe Stimme) no. 2, published 1866 [ high voice and piano ], Elberfeld, Arnold
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Ein [Fichtenbaum]1 steht einsam
Im Norden auf kahler Höh';
Ihn schläfert; mit weißer Decke
Umhüllen ihn Eis und Schnee.

Er träumt von einer Palme,
Die fern im Morgenland,
Einsam und [schweigend]2 trauert
Auf brennender Felsenwand.

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Confirmed with Heinrich Heine, Buch der Lieder, Hoffmann und Campe, Hamburg, 1827, page 137.

1 Biegeleben: "Tannenbaum"; further changes may exist not shown above.
2 Marx: "schweigsam"

by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
2. A spruce-tree stands alone
Language: English 
 A spruce-tree stands alone
 in the north, on the bare heights;
 it slumbers; in a white blanket
 it is surrounded by ice and snow.
 
 It dreams of a palm tree
 which, far-off in the land of the morning,
 grieves, alone and mute,
 on a burning, rocky wall.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.


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This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 8
Word count: 48

Translation © by Emily Ezust
3. Am Strande  [sung text not yet checked]
by Moritz Weyermann (1832 - 1888), "Am Strande", op. 1 (10 Gesänge für hohe Stimme) no. 3, published 1866 [ high voice and piano ], Elberfeld, Arnold
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Wie liegt das Meer so still
Im Abendleuchten!
O, eine Thräne will
Das Aug' beseuchten!

Ich sah in trunk'ner Gluth
Den Himmel offen
Jetzt tief im Meere ruht
Versenkt mein Hoffen.

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by Rudolph von Gottschall (1823 - 1909)
3.
[Translation not yet available]
4. Der Gärtner   [sung text not yet checked]
by Moritz Weyermann (1832 - 1888), "Der Gärtner ", op. 1 (10 Gesänge für hohe Stimme) no. 4, published 1866 [ high voice and piano ], Elberfeld, Arnold
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Auf ihrem Leibrößlein
So weiß wie der Schnee,
Die schönste Prinzessin
[Reit't]1 durch die Allee.

Der Weg, den das Rößlein
Hintanzet so hold,
Der Sand, den ich streute,
Er [blinket]2 wie Gold!

Du rosenfarbs Hütlein
Wohl auf und wohl ab,
O wirf eine Feder,
Verstohlen herab!

Und willst du dagegen
Eine Blüte von mir,
Nimm tausend für eine,
Nimm alle dafür!

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Confirmed with Eduard Mörike, Gedichte, Dramatisches, Erzählendes, Zweite, erweiterte Auflage, Stuttgart: J.G. Cotta'sche Buchhandlung Nachf., 1961, page 59.

1 Killmayer: "reit' "
2 Dresel: "glänzet"

by Eduard Mörike (1804 - 1875)
4.
Language: English 
On her favorite pony
as white as snow,
the fairest princess
rides down the avenue.
 
On the path down which her steed
so finely prances,
the sand that I strewed there
glitters like gold!
 
You rose-colored little hat,
bobbing up and down,
O toss a feather
stealthily down!
 
And if, for that, you would like
a little flower from me,
take a thousand for one -
take all of them!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.


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Translation of title "Der Gärtner" = "The gardener"


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 16
Word count: 69

Translation © by Emily Ezust
5. Einsamkeit   [sung text not yet checked]
by Moritz Weyermann (1832 - 1888), "Einsamkeit ", op. 1 (10 Gesänge für hohe Stimme) no. 5, published 1866 [ high voice and piano ], Elberfeld, Arnold
Language: German (Deutsch) 
[Wild verwachsne]1 dunkle Fichten,
Leise klagt die Quelle fort;
Herz, das ist der rechte Ort
Für dein schmerzliches Verzichten!

Grauer Vogel in den Zweigen,
Einsam deine Klage singt,
Und auf deine Frage bringt
Antwort nicht des Waldes Schweigen.

Wenn's auch immer Schweigen bliebe,
Klage, klage fort; es weht,
Der dich höret und versteht,
Stille hier der Geist der Liebe.

Nicht verloren hier im Moose,
Herz, dein heimlich Weinen geht,
Deine Liebe Gott versteht,
Deine tiefe, hoffnungslose!

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1 Schumann: "Wildverwachs'ne"

by Nikolaus Lenau (1802 - 1850)
5.
Language: English 
[Wild, overgrown,]1 dark firs,
Softly the spring continues to lament;
Heart, this is the right place
For your painful renunciation!

A grey bird in the branches
Sings your lament in a lonely fashion,
And your question is not answered
By the forest's silence.

Even if there were always silence,
Lament, continue to lament.
[A spirit] that hears and understand you
Softly [wafts] here: the spirit of love.

Not lost here among the moss,
Heart, is your secret weeping.
God understands your love,
Your deep, hopeless [love]!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2008 by Sharon Krebs, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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Translations of titles
"Einsamkeit" = "Loneliness"
"Die Einsamkeit" = "Loneliness"

1 Schumann: "Wildly overgrown"


This text was added to the website: 2008-01-09
Line count: 16
Word count: 87

Translation © by Sharon Krebs
6. Des Müden Abendlied  [sung text not yet checked]
by Moritz Weyermann (1832 - 1888), "Des Müden Abendlied", op. 1 (10 Gesänge für hohe Stimme) no. 6, published 1866 [ high voice and piano ], Elberfeld, Arnold
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Verglommen ist das Abendrot,
Da tönt ein fernes Klingen;
Ich glaube fast, das ist der Tod,
Der will in Schlaf mich singen.
O [singe]1 nur zu,
Du Spielmann du!
Du sollst mir Frieden bringen.

Ein weiches Bette der Rasen giebt,
[Es säuseln so kühl]2 die Cypressen,
[Und was ich gelebt, und was]3 ich geliebt,
Ich will es [alles]4 vergessen.
Keinen Ruhm, kein Glück,
Laß ich zurück,
[Hab']5 nichts als Schmerzen besessen.

So fahr denn wohl, du arge Welt,
Mit deinen bunten Schäumen!
Was dich ergötzt, was dir gefällt,
Wie gern will ich's versäumen!
Schon wehet die Nacht
Mich an so sacht;
Nun [laßt]6 mich ruhn und träumen.

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1 Thuille: "sing'"
2 Esser: "So kühl säuseln"
3 Esser: "Was ich gelebt, was"
4 Esser: "all"
5 Lachner: "Habe"
6 Esser: "lass"

by Emanuel von Geibel (1815 - 1884)
6.
[Translation not yet available]
7. Es fliegt manch Vöglein in das Nest  [sung text not yet checked]
by Moritz Weyermann (1832 - 1888), "Es fliegt manch Vöglein in das Nest", op. 1 (10 Gesänge für hohe Stimme) no. 7, published 1866 [ high voice and piano ], Elberfeld, Arnold
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Es fliegt manch Vöglein in das Nest,
Und fliegt auch [wied'r heraus;]1
Und bist du 'mal mein Schatz gewest,
So ist die Liebschaft aus.
Du hast mich schlimm betrogen
Um schnöden Geldgewinn --
Viel Glück, viel Glück zum reichen Mann!2
Geh du nur immer hin!
 
Viel Blümlein steh'n im hohen Korn
Von roth und blauer Zier,
Und hast du eins [davon verlorn]3,
So such ein andres dir.
Glaub' nicht, daß ich mich gräme
Um deinen falschen Sinn --
Ich find' schon einen andern Schatz;2
Geh du nur immer hin!

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Confirmed with: Gedichte von Emanuel Geibel, Berlin: Verlag von Alexander Duncker, 1855, page 239.

1 Silcher: "wiedrum aus,"; Weins: "wieder 'raus"
2 Silcher adds "Geh' du, la la la, geh' du, la la la,"
3 Weins: "verlor'n davon"

by Emanuel von Geibel (1815 - 1884)
7.
Language: English 
Many a little bird flies into the nest,
And also flies back out again,
And if you were once my sweetheart,
The love affair is over.
You have betrayed me grievously
For the sake of filthy lucre --
Lots of luck, lots of luck with your rich man!1
Just you take off!
 
Many flowers stand in the high wheat
Adorning it with red and blue,
And if you have lost one of them,
Go look for another one.
Do not think that I am troubled
By your falseness --
I'll be sure to find another sweetheart;1
Just you take off!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2015 by Sharon Krebs, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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Translated titles:
"Geh du nur immer hin!" = "Just you take off!"
"Es fliegt manch Vöglein in das Nest" = "Many a little bird flies into the nest"
"Es fliegt manch Vöglein" = "Many a little bird flies"
"An die Treulose" = "To the unfaithful one"
"Lied eines fahrenden Schülers" = "Song of a roaming student"
"Lieder eines fahrenden Schülers II" = "Songs of a roaming student II"

1 Silcher adds "Take off, you, la la la, take off you, la la la,"


This text was added to the website: 2015-03-19
Line count: 16
Word count: 100

Translation © by Sharon Krebs
8. Herr Schmied, beschlagt mir mein Rösslein  [sung text not yet checked]
by Moritz Weyermann (1832 - 1888), "Herr Schmied, beschlagt mir mein Rösslein", op. 1 (10 Gesänge für hohe Stimme) no. 8, published 1866 [ high voice and piano ], Elberfeld, Arnold
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Herr Schmied, Herr Schmied, beschlagt mir mein Rößlein,
Und habt ihr's beschlagen, so macht mir ein Schlößlein,
Ein Schlößlein so fest und ein Schlößlein so fein,
Und muß bei dem Schlößlein ein Schlüssel auch sein.

Das Schlößlein, das will ich vors Herze mir legen,
Und hab' ich's verschlossen mit Kreuz und mit Segen,
So werf' in den See ich den Schlüssel hinein,
Darf nimmer ein Wort mehr heraus noch herein.

Denn wer eine selige Liebe will tragen,
Der darf es den alten Jungfern nicht sagen;
Die Dornen, die Disteln, die stechen gar sehr,
Doch stechen die Altjungfernzungen noch mehr.

Sie tragen's zur Bas' hin und zur Frau Gevattern,
Bis daß es die [Gäns']1 auf dem Markte beschnattern,
Bis daß es der Entrich beredt auf dem See
Und der Kuckuck im Walde, und das tut [noch]2 weh.

Und wär' ich der Herrgott, so ließ' ich auf Erden
Zu Dornen und Disteln die Klatschzungen werden,
Da fräß' sie der Esel, und hätt's keine Not,
Und weinte mein Schatz sich die Augen nicht rot.

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1 Lachner: "Gänse"
2 Lachner: "doch"

by Emanuel von Geibel (1815 - 1884)
8.
Language: English 
Mr. Blacksmith, Mr. Blacksmith, shoe my horse,
And when you have done so, make me a little lock,
A little lock so solid and a little lock so fine,
And along with the lock there must also be a key.
 
The little lock, I want to place it before my heart,
And when I have locked it with a cross and a blessing,
Then I shall throw the key into the lake,
No word shall ever be allowed to pass out nor in.
 
For whoever wants to carry a blessed love [in one's heart],
Must not tell the old spinsters about it;
Thorns and thistles stab quite severely,
But spinsters' tongues sting even more.
 
They carry [the news] to cousins and godmothers,
Until even the geese in the marketplace gabble it,
Until the drake gossips about it upon the lake
And the cuckoo in the forest, and that still hurts.
 
And if I were the Lord God, I would make it that upon earth
Gossiping tongues were turned into thorns and thistles,
Then the donkey would eat them and there would be no more trouble,
And my sweetheart would not be crying until her eyes were red.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2015 by Sharon Krebs, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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Translated titles:
"Herr Schmied, Herr Schmied, beschlagt mir mein Rößlein" = "Mr. Blacksmith, Mr. Blacksmith, shoe my horse"
"Herr Schmied, beschlagt mir mein Rösslein" = "Mr. Blacksmith, shoe my horse"
"Lied eines fahrenden Schülers" = "Song of a roaming student"
"Lieder eines fahrenden Schülers III" = "Songs of a roaming student III"


This text was added to the website: 2015-03-19
Line count: 20
Word count: 197

Translation © by Sharon Krebs
9. Meiden  [sung text not yet checked]
by Moritz Weyermann (1832 - 1888), "Meiden", op. 1 (10 Gesänge für hohe Stimme) no. 9, published 1866 [ high voice and piano ], Elberfeld, Arnold
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Es schleicht ein zehrend Feuer
Durch mein [Gebein]1;
Mein Schatt' ist mir nicht treuer
[Wie]2 diese Pein.
Ich höre die Stunden [ziehen]3
Trüben Gesichts;
Sie kommen, weilen, [fliehen]4 --
Und ändern nichts.

Der Sommer kommt gegangen,
[Mir ist's wie]5 Traum;
Am Busch [Wildröslein hangen]6,
Ich acht' es kaum.
Es schlagen die Nachtigallen
[In Wald und Plan]7;
Laß [schallen]8, laß verhallen!
Was geht's mich an?

Ich fühle nur das eine
In meinem Sinn:
Daß ich von dir, du Reine,
Geschieden bin.
Mein Schatt' ist mir nicht treuer
[Wie]9 diese Pein;
[Und zehrend schleicht das Feuer]10
Durch mein Gebein.

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1 Kappeller: "Geblüt"
2 Kappeller, Schachner, Thuille: "Als"
3 Schachner: "zieh'n"
4 Kappeller: "und fliehen"
; Schachner: "flieh'n"
5 Schachner: "Es war ein"
6 Schachner: "Waldröslein hangen"; Thuille: "Waldröslein blühen"
7 Kappeller: "Im Wald und Flur"; Schachner: "Im Wald und Plan"; Thuille: "In Feld und Plan"
8 Thuille: "schlagen"
9 Schachner, Thuille: "Als"
10 Schachner: "Es schleicht ein zehrend Feuer"

by Emanuel von Geibel (1815 - 1884)
9. Shunned
Language: English 
A ravenous fire creeps
Through my bones;
Even my shadow is not as faithful
As this pain.
I hear the passing of the hours’
Clouded apparition;
They come, abide, depart – 
And change nothing.

Summer has come,
It is but a dream for me;
The wild rose hangs upon the bush,
I scarcely notice it.
The nightingale calls
In forest and plain;
Let it resound, let it fade away!
What is it to me?

I feel only a single thing
In my mind:
That I have been separated, pure one,
From you.
Even my shadow is not as faithful
As this pain;
And ravenously the fire creeps
Through my bones.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2022 by Michael P Rosewall, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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Translations of title(s):
"Es schleicht ein zehrend Feuer" = "A ravenous fire creeps"
"Meiden" = "Shunned"



This text was added to the website: 2022-11-25
Line count: 24
Word count: 110

Translation © by Michael P Rosewall
10. Das sterbende Kind   [sung text not yet checked]
by Moritz Weyermann (1832 - 1888), "Das sterbende Kind ", op. 1 (10 Gesänge für hohe Stimme) no. 10, published 1866 [ high voice and piano ], Elberfeld, Arnold
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Wie [doch]1 so still dir am Herzen
Ruhet das Kind!
Weiß nicht, wie Mutterschmerzen
So herbe sind!
Auf Stirn und Lippen und Wangen
Ist schon vergangen
Das süße Rot.
Und dennoch heimlicherweise 
Lächelt es leise. --
Leise 
Küsset [es der]2 Tod!

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1 omitted by Wölfl; further changes may exist not shown above.
2 Randhartinger: "der"

by Emanuel von Geibel (1815 - 1884)
10.
Language: English 
How truly silent within the heart
Rests the child!
One cannot know, how bitter
The heartaches of motherhood are!
Upon brow and lips and cheeks,
That sweet blush
Has already vanished.
And yet, almost imperceptibly,
Smiling faintly –
Faintly
With the kiss of Death!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2022 by Michael P Rosewall, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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This text was added to the website: 2022-07-12
Line count: 11
Word count: 44

Translation © by Michael P Rosewall